How to Finance a Side Loader Rubbish Truck in Australia (Waste & Recycling Industry Finance Guide)

Side Loader Rubbish Trucks Are Highly Financeable — Even for New ABNs

Side loader rubbish trucks are critical assets for residential waste collection, council routes, recycling pickup, organics collection and commercial waste services. Because they operate in essential public services, lenders view them as reliable, income-producing assets.

The good news?
Side loader trucks are very financeable, even if:

  • your ABN is new

  • you're expanding your waste business

  • you're upgrading to a fully automated collection system

  • you're moving from rear-loaders or hook bins

  • you don’t have full financials ready

Most side loaders fall within the $180,000 – $250,000 range depending on truck size, hopper capacity and automation level — and almost every operator finances these assets rather than paying upfront.

Need a low-doc or simple approval pathway? Start here:
https://financetheride.com.au/pages/small-business-car-loans

Why Lenders Like Funding Side Loader Waste Trucks

Side loaders support high-frequency waste operations, meaning the revenue generated from these trucks is consistent and predictable. That makes them ideal for commercial lending.

They’re commonly used in:

  • council kerbside collection

  • residential bin pickup

  • recycling and commingled waste

  • organics collection

  • commercial front-of-house operations

  • high-volume contractor routes

Lenders consider this a low-risk operational profile, which helps drive better approval outcomes.

If you're planning on financing multiple waste trucks or building a larger fleet, explore broader equipment finance options here:
https://financetheride.com.au/pages/equipment-finance-australia-fast-low-doc-equipment-loans

What Determines the Cost of a Side Loader Truck?

Side loader pricing depends on:

  • arm automation type

  • hopper size

  • compactor strength

  • bin compatibility (120L, 240L, 360L)

  • chassis brand (Hino, Volvo, Mercedes, UD, etc.)

  • telematics & safety features

  • mining/council compliance

  • new vs used condition

At $180k–$250k, operators typically get a fully automated side-loader body mounted to a heavy cab chassis suitable for long-term municipal contracts.

The Best Finance Structures for Side Loader Purchases

Choose from four main pathways depending on your business size and goals:

1. Chattel Mortgage

Most tax-efficient and flexible.

2. Commercial Lease

Preserves cashflow and suits fleet operators.

3. Rent-to-Own

Ideal for small operators or those with limited documentation.

4. Low-Doc / ABN-Only Finance

Fast approval with minimal paperwork — perfect for startups and growing contractors.

Operators who also run hook trucks, excavators, loaders, skid steers or telehandlers can combine multiple assets under a single facility here:
https://financetheride.com.au/pages/construction-earthmoving-equipment-finance-australia-low-doc-abn-loans

Why Using a Broker Gets You Better Approval Than a Bank

A bank often treats waste trucks like unusual or risky assets. This leads to:

  • long approval delays

  • extra documentation

  • strict credit scoring

  • unnecessary conditions

A broker bypasses all of that by placing your application with lenders who finance side loaders every day.

You benefit from:

  • faster approvals

  • fewer credit enquiries

  • competitive rates

  • flexible repayment terms

  • private-sale friendly lending

  • better support for new ABNs

Operators servicing regional or agricultural communities may qualify for additional flexibility under this category:
https://financetheride.com.au/pages/agricultural-farming-equipment-finance-australia-low-doc-abn-loans

New vs Used Side Loader Trucks — Which Should You Choose?

New trucks:
✔ Longer service life
✔ Lower downtime
✔ Improved bin arm automation
✔ Strong finance approval rates

Used trucks:
✔ Lower entry cost
✔ Ideal for growing waste contractors
✔ More private-sale availability

Both are financeable — lenders mainly look at condition, age, compliance and maintenance history.

Ready to Finance Your Side Loader Rubbish Truck?

A quick eligibility check is the easiest way to understand borrowing options, repayments and lender fit. It’s fast, obligation-free and won’t affect your credit score.

A properly financed side loader becomes a highly reliable income asset for any waste or recycling operator.

 

DISCLAIMER

The information provided on this website is general in nature only and has been prepared without considering your financial needs, circumstances and objectives and should NOT be construed as financial, taxation or legal advice. For more information, get in touch with our experienced partner brokers today.

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All Your Questions Answered

What is a car loan and how does it work?

A car loan is a finance product where a lender provides funds for you to purchase a vehicle, which you repay over time with interest.

What’s the difference between secured and unsecured car loans?

Secured loans use the car as collateral, often leading to lower interest rates. Unsecured loans don’t, but usually have higher rates.

What loan terms are available for car finance?

Most car loans offer terms from 3 to 7 years. Find out what term suits you best.

How is interest calculated on a car loan?

Interest is based on the loan amount, term, and rate. Fixed-rate loans have predictable repayments, while variable rates can change.

Can I get a car loan for a private sale?

Yes, many lenders accept private sellers. You’ll need to provide extra documents.

Do government employees get lower interest rates on car loans?

Yes — many lenders offer better rates due to your stable income. Explore finance options for government employees.

Can I apply for a car loan while on probation?

Yes. Many workers are approved during probation.

What credit score do I need as a government employee?

A score of 650+ is ideal, but lower scores may still be considered.

Are corporate professionals eligible for low-rate finance?

Yes, especially if you're full-time with strong income.

Can I get car finance with a novated lease?

Yes, many government departments support novated leasing.

Can I get a car loan with no credit history?

Yes, it's still possible to get a car loan with no credit history.

What if I’ve been declined elsewhere?

A broker can help restructure your application for better results.

How do I check my credit score?

Use Equifax, Experian, or Illion for a free check.

Can I get finance if I have a current personal loan?

Yes, if your income supports both loans. A broker will assess your capacity.

What documents do I need to apply?

Typically: ID, payslips, and bank statements.

Can casual workers get car loans?

Yes, if you’ve worked consistently for 6+ months.

Can I apply if I’m self-employed with an ABN?

Yes. Consider a low-doc loan.

Can Centrelink be used as income?

Yes, when paired with PAYG income.

What’s the minimum income to qualify for car finance?

Most lenders prefer $30,000+ annually, but this varies.

Can I apply on a fixed-term contract?

Yes, especially if it’s government-backed.

Can I finance a used car?

Yes, most lenders allow used cars under 10 years old.

Can I get a loan for an SUV or family car?

Absolutely

Can I finance a caravan or motorbike?

Yes

Can I finance an EV or hybrid car?

Yes. You may even qualify for green car loan discounts.

Can I use my car for both work and personal use?

Yes you can.

What is a balloon payment?

It’s a lump sum due at the end of the loan term.

Can I make extra repayments?

Yes, many lenders allow this without penalty.

Can I pay off the loan early?

Yes — ask if there’s an early payout fee.

Is there a deposit required?

Not always.

What loan terms are available?

1 to 7 years is standard.

How long does approval take?

24–48 hours in most cases

Can I apply online?

Yes — most lenders and brokers accept online applications.

Is a broker better than going direct?

Often, yes. They can compare lenders for you.

Can I get pre-approved?

Yes — and it gives you better negotiating power at the dealership.

What happens after I apply?

Your documents are reviewed, and if approved, the lender issues funds to the seller.

Can I get a loan with a visa?

Yes, in some cases. see finance for visa holders here.

Do I need a driver’s licence to apply?

Yes, but learners may qualify with a co-applicant.

Can I apply with someone else?

Yes, joint applications are allowed.

Can I refinance my current car loan?

Yes — it can lower your repayments or get you a better rate.

Can I trade in my old car as a deposit?

Yes, many lenders accept trade-ins toward the deposit.

Can nurses get car finance?

Yes — see nurse-specific finance tips.

Can teachers apply while on contract?

Yes. Read how to get approved.

Do defence personnel get special car loan rates?

Yes, in some cases. Your job security is a major advantage.

Can FIFO government workers apply?

Yes — consistency in income matters more than job location.

Can I apply if I’m on maternity leave?

Yes, especially if you’re returning to work. Here’s how.

Can I use car finance to buy interstate?

Yes — just make sure the seller provides all required documents.

Can I finance a car from an auction?

Yes, but only through select lenders. Ask your broker first.

Will applying hurt my credit score?

Only if you apply to multiple lenders directly. Brokers help protect your score.

Can I get a car loan if I’ve been bankrupt before?

Yes — see bad credit car loan options.

What if I want to upgrade my car before the loan ends?

You can sell the car, pay off the loan early, or refinance.